Write your story in your own voice.
Share it with an audience ready to listen.
Everyone has a story that matters.
We want to hear yours.
The My Story Matters Scholarship was created to encourage high school students to write and share their own personal narratives.
Recipients receive $1,000 to support their college, career, and life goals, and commit to sharing their story with a live audience at the LISTEN event.
THE STEPS
From the page to the stage:
Write and submit your story(Required)
Respond to the prompt in 750 to 1,500 words, in your own voice.
Come to the LISTEN Link-Up(Optional)
Every applicant is invited to an afternoon at the PLUS ME Storytelling Center in Highland Park.
- Experience a PLUS ME workshop
- Hear from a panel of LISTEN alumni
- Connect with other applicants
- Join the PLUS ME community
Attendance is optional and has no bearing on your application.
Share your story at LISTEN(For recipients)
Recipients read their story to a live audience in November. You will work with a coach beforehand, so you walk onto that stage knowing exactly what to expect.
The LISTEN event will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Marlborough School in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
THE PROMPT
Share your personal story.
Tell us who you are.
Use your authentic voice.
Include all four of the following elements:
The characters and settings that have impacted you
Your struggles and accomplishments
The lessons you have learned
Your plans for the future
Word count: 750 to 1,500 words
Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:59 PDT
WHO CAN APPLY
- A 9th-12th grade student currently enrolled at a high school in Los Angeles County
- Able to submit a completed application by the deadline
- Willing, if selected, to share the submitted story with a live audience at LISTEN in Los Angeles
TIMELINE
- August 3, 2026Applications open
- September 25, 2026Application deadline, 11:59 p.m. PDT
- October 10, 2026LISTEN Link-Up at the PLUS ME Storytelling Center
- November 5, 2026 | 5:30PM-8PMLISTEN Event where recipients share their stories
At LISTEN, stories are not judged.
They are heard, valued, and celebrated by people eager to listen.
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Your story is strongest when it sounds like you.
Write in your own voice, and include specific details. Consider sharing a small, impactful moment rather than summarizing your whole life.
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PLUS ME volunteer readers review and score submissions, and the PLUS ME team makes the final selections. Your story is not published anywhere without your permission.
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No. The Link-Up is open to every applicant and completely optional. Students who come get to experience a PLUS ME workshop, hear from LISTEN alumni, and meet other applicants. Whether you attend has no effect on your application.
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Recipients will complete the following steps:
Verify student status
Work with a coach to practice and prepare your story for the LISTEN stage
Have your photo taken and sit for a short, casual interview that PLUS ME shares with our community in the weeks leading up to the event
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Most recipients have not. You will work with a coach before the event so you know what to expect. The audience is made up of friends, family, educators, and the PLUS ME community, and they are there to support and celebrate you.
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However it supports your college, career, or life goals. There are no restrictions on the funds.
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Yes, if you have not received it before. Students who apply and are not selected are welcome to apply again in any year they are still eligible. Students who receive the scholarship may not apply a second time.